November 15, 2009

Carolina Blues

Miami's game against North Carolina was no joke. In fact, it wasn't funny at all.

Even John Lee Hooker, BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughn combined never had the Carolina blues like this. It was sad, very , very sad.

Is this what my wife convinced me to drive ten hours to see?

For the Hurricanes to come out flat and unemotional once again and score zero points in the first quarter on the road?

To watch Jacory Harris do his best Kyle Wright impersonation and throw four interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns?

To see Mark Whipple look average at best, confused at worst and all while making some very poor and questionable play calls especially early and then again late in the game?

For Randy Shannon to have his team unprepared to play, argue calls with referees well after plays are over and then losing once again to an inferior team and his mentor in Butch Davis?

To watch the Canes lose their third game this year, all against teams in the ACC, and the hopes of going to a decent bowl game evaporate into the cool air like a warm breath?

To hear more excuses and bitter disappointment from UM fans than ever before about why the Canes still "are not there yet"?

The only things I enjoyed on this trip to North Carolina was a chance to see the fall leaves painted in brilliant hues of red, yellow and orange and the lovely ladies on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill.

And the ability to spend some quality time with my wife and meet a bunch of long-time and regular bloggers at Canespace in a far away and strange city for a great tailgate party? Pictured above from L to R: CaneSteeler, SolarCane, 404Cane404, Canez1, KCCane.

This was a VERY TOUGH loss. I think UM overall, is better, but we didn't prove it.

I have to disagree with you 86, on several points. Most respectively, as always.

The offensive play-calling is excellent. It seemed that almost every play that Whip called was open. The screens, draws, and P/A bootlegs were very effective. The EXECUTION is NOT at a level that we expect.

Which brings me to these next two points.

1) Jacory is being reckless with the football. His INT's have cost UM two victories. 16 interceptions is unacceptable.

I believe he's not progressing, forcing throws, and his confidence level has dropped. He has to understand he doesn't have to do it all himself. UM has EXCELLENT skill players, all he has to do is get it to them.

He's not been accurate, locking on WR's now. Coop did his best Michael Jordan impression just reeling in two screen receptions. Not leading Hank on that deep post. That was an EASY TD; Harris mistake.

No ZIP on throws he needs to stick in there. The rainbows are allowing DB's to catch up to open WR's. What's more frustrating, is he has ALL the tools to be great and make those throws.

2) Our O-line has been exposed as the weakness it is. What, close to 30 sacks? 10 games? Unacceptable. Having to max protect to back-up the O-line is JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH. It limits the offense and J12's options. The TE position has been taken away b/c of the ineffectiveness of the line. We have VERY capable TE's, but they have to stay in to block.

I thought the team played well. Everyone, but J12. He had his worst game ever. And it cost us another game.

When you throw a pick in their end of the field ...its not one of the out patterns where there is open field to the end zone... theres something wrong ... where is all that speed to catch up. Something is wrong here.

The U needs an outstanding QB in the 2010 class...Shannon was a good DC and a good recruiter...But will never be an outstanding HC and will never win a NC as a HC...The same with JH...will never win a NC or wear a pimp suit unless in his dream...stop behing a clown...It's no longer high school....Best players...Bailey...Franklin...Bosher....I hope they will return in 2010 otherwise we will be 7-5 at best!!!

Hank dropped three... a couple of long ones in the first and the short one over the middle .. he picks up 20.. no one within ten yrds of him.... and there were a few more catch able balls... we dropped a few on the goal line...easy touches in the first half... i mean Bryd drops one in his hands on a fly.

But still theres no excuse for the d backs to outrun 7 of our fastest guys on the team for pick sixes.

They come out and get the momentum... by going short passes ... toasting our lbs.. then we adjust and play catch up all game long.. it doesnt help that we are dropping balls in that first q. Our d was on the field too much.. we came out flat and they jumped on us. We beat ourselves period.

The U needs an outstanding QB in the 2010 class...Shannon was a good DC and a good recruiter...But will never be an outstanding HC and will never win a NC as a HC...The same with JH...will never win a NC or wear a pimp suit unless in his dream...stop behing a clown...It's no longer high school....Best players...Bailey...Franklin...Bosher....I hope they will return in 2010 otherwise we will be 7-5 at best!!!

I wish we would save the lets get rid of whoever until the everyone knows its time... please... we are not there yet.. we are in the middle of bringing in the ballers... Shannon is a better coach that Coker ... it was on auto in 2001 .. its the players stupid.

I think forcing the ball is a very simple problem to correct. JH is special.. really ... child please.... if Jh gets the ball back with 2 00 minutes we score to win. But the fact is our d could not even stop the run when it counted...thats a problem with physicality or attitude. I say its a depth problem.

Miamicane I agree-defense forces a 3 in and out, JH gets the ball and wins the game. I am telling you these kids seem to play flat the first quarter and to me that is youth. That is my concern but if the can finish 9-3 with a bowl win at 10-3 then I will be happy but I will expect alot more next year.

Or, drive back to your sisters house in Raleigh and proceed to drown yourself in Crown.... Lots of choices, my head really hurts...

Passes went right through some hands, multiple times, is that a drop? Not sure what you want to call it, but they were certainly catchable balls and the receivers did not get agressive and make the play, sort of like alot of that game... Why are you not getting agressive and making the play?!?! Sort of like on that pick 6, where was the guy getting agressive and making the tackle? Bad call? Sure, but there was something misssing out on that field yesterday... When the other team wants it more, they usually (WF) get it!

Agree with above that we still have 2 more and with wins in both this can still be an ok season, and I will continue to support and cheer on this team with passion and agression, just hope they show some too.
Go Canes, See You In Tampa 11/28!

Miami NEEDS A JUNIOR COLLEGE TRANSFER AT QB that cab play and push jacory or take his job because when the Qb loses the game for the team you put in the next best player which we don't have

At 3 wins and 1 lose what changed? Oposing DB adjusted to Jacorys weak high arching deep balls that stays in like most punts.

NO ZIP ON THE BALL GET READY REAYD FOR SOME MORE PICK 6

A quick solution is to change the play calling to run first pound down their throats offense this will great help Jacory's long delivery down the field.

Most of all the sacks taken is Jacory fault by not recognizing blitz seen a mile away and NOT HAVING A MENTAL CLOCK IN THE POCKET, at least half the sack come from when he had about 3 seconds in the pocket

I had forgotten how much I dislike that place. the parking is a joke not to mention their "wide screen" that you cannot really see if you are in the visitor's section. Was fun meeting Mrs. 86, canez1 and 2, and canesteeler and his kids. I thought after the Clemson game that we would drop another one, and sho' nuf. We're just not very good.

Canesgirl you survived....that stunk but like I said not really surprised we lost this one. Angry is not taking it so easy. I kinda am hoping maybe we can get a local bowl game so I can go. I have not been to a bowl game since the Rose Bowl.

All do respect, are U high? I agree improvements are in order, but can U not see RS improving as coach? Have U seen the verbal commit list?

C'mon, man.

Posted by: miamimike01 | November 15, 2009 at 06:45 AM

I am sorry he is a great recruitor but when it comes to winning games in pressure moments he cracks. It is evident with time mangement. How many times do we have to see this team waiste opportunties at the end of a half? How many times? Coaching and J-12 are responsible. Who cares about recruiting if we are not developing. Coker recruited just fine but didn't develop. You can't say J-12 is learning from his mistakes. Sharpton has played how long and he looks terrible. DVD average at best. Why doesn't Berry get more carries? No excuse. I am sick of patting Randy on the back give him heat. We have the same record as last year at this point. And we are suppose to be better. Well we are still losing games we shouldn't be. UNC owns us. I don't ever want to hear from you Canes fans again that you aren't scared of UNC such a stupid comment.

Sitting in the middle of a sea of pajama blue, I have to admit Tar Heel fans are for the most part gracious hosts. No taunting, no underhanded slams of Jacory.

"We are lucky we caught this kid on his worst day at QB" commented a rabid Heel fan sitting next to me.

I had mentioned a couple days ago we are playing UNC when they are peaking.

I was assured by a couple folks on here that wasn't the case.

The general consensus from the Tar Heel fans around me was we were playing their defense right when they were playing their best ball of the season. They told me
The defense said all week nothing was going beat them long.

The Heel fans said the defense expects to win the games for them until a quarterback steps up or steps in.

Canez1,canesteeler,PB,404,soup,
it was a pleasure getting to spend some time with you and your family and friends. That made the trip more than worth it.

cg,
sorry I couldn't find you, there was so much background fan noise on your phone I couldn't understand a word you were saying.
My wife has a very tender knee and I didn't want to make her walk around more than she had to.
tough place that Tar Pit!

I think this team misses Forston, Ojomo, Ray Ray, Spence, Dye......those are the leaders....Philips and Sharpton have never stepped up and become leaders some kids just do not have it.

Posted by: canechic | November 15, 2009 at 09:05 AM

Check out Shandel's blog...About the coaching grade...If you can't agree with that I don't know what to say. Should he be fired well lets see if we can beat Duke and USF. If we don't beat those teams I would say it needs to be looked at. This team has regressed. Injuries are a part of football. Hey Oklahoma didn't have Sam Bradford and they almost beat us with a backup. We shouldn't be pointing to injuries because I guarantee it will happen next year. Fortson stunk this year...Dye hasn't proven anything...and spence has been average at best...So?

Alright caneslegend you obviously have your mind made. So who do you hire? How do you changes things? How do you make J12 not make bad mental mistakes? How do you make guys that should not even be seeing the field make better plays on defense?

And remember hiring of a new coach or coaches means starting over? How long did it take Butch to hand over a NC team to Larry Coker? Remember everyone wanted Butch fired too after the Penn state loss and then the FSU loss?

LOL I didn't even get to sit near any fun people...some guy brought his wife and motherinlaw who wee tarheel fans and would not sit down when asked by the canes fans behind them. So it got a little testy but nothing really bad. She starts to shake and cry ......her husband was nice and a canes fan and he has my deepest sympathy....yowza

Alright caneslegend you obviously have your mind made. So who do you hire? How do you changes things? How do you make J12 not make bad mental mistakes? How do you make guys that should not even be seeing the field make better plays on defense?

And remember hiring of a new coach or coaches means starting over? How long did it take Butch to hand over a NC team to Larry Coker? Remember everyone wanted Butch fired too after the Penn state loss and then the FSU loss?

Posted by: canechic | November 15, 2009 at 09:20 AM

I am big fan of Tommy Tubberville...He is familar with the program and he got a raw deal at Auburn. One thing J-12 has to listen to his coach's. He has no pressure behind him so why should he be worried about his job. The coaching staff has not recruited QB position that well. Player development is coaching. Plain and simple. If this all we are going to be is 9-3 or 8-4 at best are you willing to keep Shannon because you just want to settle for this. Ok he will beat a good team and then lost to Clemson and UNC. All am saying is and I have said this. The next two years will determine Shannon as a coach. If he doesn't get it down he is gone. If you do a medicore job you get fired in any profession. No excuses should be the motto. I have heard it all this year injuries, rain, espn hype...I am sick of it. Just go out there and perform. UNC out coached us.

Well I do not think Tommy is great head coach. Auburn regressed with him at the helm. College football today is not the same college football as it was when Tommy was here and I promise you Tommy's family is not moving Miami period. Remember it is not easy to get people to move to Miami and that is being honest.

Well I do not think Tommy is great head coach. Auburn regressed with him at the helm. College football today is not the same college football as it was when Tommy was here and I promise you Tommy's family is not moving Miami period. Remember it is not easy to get people to move to Miami and that is being honest.

Posted by: canechic | November 15, 2009 at 09:36 AM

They had one bad season...I think Tommy is better than Shannon and he does have a record to prove it.

We have seen flashes of the old swagger this yr. So whats next? Well look at the list of ballers we have waiting to take the spots to make every position better. In my view the o is much farther along than the d... i mean ... on the perimeter talent. We need some upgrades on the d... at lb and d backs. Too many easy touches or first downs by the pass coverage this yr. Easy touch yesterday on the quick post. But i think that swagger will be back for the whole season either next yr or 2011. UUUUUUUUUUUUU

Fellas cmon at the end of the day were tming about a first year starter who still has to learn and a team who will get better.... A loss hurts I agree but calling for new head coaches and junior college transfer qb's is ridiculous and I say that with respect.....

People are calliNg for shannons head so if you give this team with all the talent they have to someone else it's a no brainer there will be more wins not because of the but because of the maturation of the players we have

when were winning were saying the best things but when we lose then we abandon these young kids and the coaches who we should trust....

people talk abot screens are bad.the ones that worked went for some good yards.the short passes were open allday but yet we want to throw 45 yard passes in double coverage.to me it seems like our wr are not running routes they are just trying to get open.please can we run some 10 yard crossing patterns across the middle of the field??????????????linebackers cant cover our slots and running backs WAKE UP!!!!!!

The downside is they can only ball for one game in a row. They aren't very tough actually.

They need a little shot of grit.

I saw Brandon Harris come out and sit bent down in definite discomfort. I think he knew if he didn't go back in nobody was going to help Cmac make tackles beyond the line of scrimmage.
He got up sucked it up. That's a Cane
We get the Jerome Browns that say fk a bunch of lower extremities we will win a few close games.

We should have attack the two deep with curls in the soft spots of the zone. I only remember one pass where we hit the curl pattern. I was surprised that we ran rite into their two deep where they were sitting on the crossing patterns. I know JH was trying to get ball to Hank up high but they had d backs that were tall enough to defend that kind of pass.

In the fourth we marched rite down the field on passes to the backs and throwing underneath. We just need to be consistent the rest of the time. ((((((Consistency)))))))))

A weak o-line that can't consistently run the ball has forced gameplans that ask jacory to do too much. If the team gets better up front, with the quality of running backs miami has, Jacory should be asked to do less next year and beyond.

I agree that Jacory had a terrible game and his play hurt us yesterday. The thing is I still support him 100%. Some of us act like Jaded loves. We see our ex who was busted when we were together. Now that they are getting their life back on track we hate every minute of it.

All fans want to win and win now. We are the U and this and that but what are we comparing this team to. Are we comparing this team to the historical U teams of the late 80's, 90's and 2001-2002 teams. Or should we compare this team to what we were in 07 when Randy took over. Compared to the U teams of old, If you don't steam roll and opponent and win every game by 40, this team fails.

Compare this team to the team we had when Randy took over then you can see the difference clear as day. This team has improved at every position, and I'm sorry that the progress hasn't been like instant oatmeal. Tired of losing, this and that go hop on the Winning teams bandwagon.

PB sorry we couldn't meet up. Everyone pretty much scattered when we got in the stadium and I was in no mood to talk at halftime LOL

Couple thoughts

The D played very well! UNC did nothing on offense. Short passes where there for them a little bit but for the most part I am happy with the way the D held. They were put in shytty situation one after another.

Yates blows!

Jacory lost this game for us plain and simple. He has brought us back from disaster as well so cut the kid some slack.

He is what he is. A young kid learnin on the fly in the big leagues. No matter where you went to HS,especially QB's, There is a learning process that 99.9% of QB's go through.

He is a first year starter and these mistakes are going to happen.

Look at USC. They have the best recruits at every position and awesome coaching always and a first year starter. They get blasted when they lose.

Screens are a very effective tool when executed properly( See all screens run on us since Spence has been out)

Settle down with the fire RS shat. We lost for one reason and one reason only.

Legend you whine like a little bytch non fukkin stop!!

I thought I recognized your screen name from the SS blog. Bring that non stop crying back over there and come back here for some adult conversation. It's ok I understand.

We are all Canez bro. It is what it is. If you were thinking 12-0 this year you're a re re and need to check yourself and not RS.

You are the one with the problem delusional one.

Get over it

That is all I am going to say to you so don't even bother responding. I am just voicing what everyone else is thinking.

Take a look at this posted by Roy Firestone on Canesport. I have always liked him as a sports journalist.

I have to say this..and many of you wont like it...
But these are, by far, the most negative posters Ive read on ANY teams websites, and Ive seen a ton of websites.
Any fan has the right to gripe, and while theres plenty to gripe about, the facts are these:
This is not an elite team, yet we have beaten GA. Tech(prob our best game of the year), came back from a horrible loss to beat a very good Oklahoma team, beat FSU on the road in the opener, lost to a very good Clemson team in OT and today came from way behind to lose a tough game on the road, and with a stop couldve been in position to engineer a game winning drive. Weve also came back on the road to beat Wake Forest and put 52 on Virginia.
All things considered, as a building block I think the Canes have had a pretty good season. Not great mind you..but certainly better than last year. Ill let you know after the Duke(beware of a letdown) and USF games how I will rate this season overall.
One things for sure. Randy Shannon is going nowhere. They WILL extend him and while I believe he still needs alot of growth as a head coach, this team is nowhere near ready to fire him.
Jacory is erratic but he is a battler and has shown he can keep a cool head when others wouldve folded up the tent. Even in the Va. Tech game with a couple of Jimmy Graham catches, the Canes would have been back in business.
Am I saying no one should criticize these guys? No way. But some of the ferocity and anger directed at the coach and a few players is downright embarrasing.
Do I expect the same posters to change their style? Nope. But remember these are still young players and theyve got alot more growing to do. I think in very short order, the Miami Hurricanes will make you proud again. In fact..Im still pretty proud of these guys. Theres still lots to feel good about.Ok go ahead and blast me for that take.

I thought I recognized your screen name from the SS blog. Bring that non stop crying back over there and come back here for some adult conversation. It's ok I understand.

We are all Canez bro. It is what it is. If you were thinking 12-0 this year you're a re re and need to check yourself and not RS.

You are the one with the problem delusional one.

Get over it

That is all I am going to say to you so don't even bother responding. I am just voicing what everyone else is thinking.

It's all good bro we still love ya.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

Posted by: Canez1 | November 15, 2009 at 10:17 AM

Allyou do Canez1 is make excuses for this team and not pointing out what needs to be fixed. There is never any accountability pointed out. I always here "we will be great next year and the year after." Those are stupid comments. If we do not fix the faults of time mangement which has not changed since shannon has gotten here. So what was the grade of the coaching staff smart a$$? You don't like shandel great I am not big fan but I agreed with him. Like I said I don't want to hear the whining next year when we are at the same position next year. Like injuries, rain, and Randy is still learning.

86 and others, how do I add an avatar? I've tried for a while and had no success. Thanks for any and all help.

Posted by: j.w. | November 15, 2009 at 10:42 AM

J.W first you have to sign into your typepad account. You'll know you've done this by having your name be blue instead of grey. Click on your blue name and it will take you to your tyepad account. Once you get there go to the edit my profile and add your avitar.